In the context of pavement management, what is the purpose of a pavement condition survey?

The purpose of a pavement condition survey in pavement management is to systematically collect data on the type, severity, and extent of distresses present on a pavement surface. This data provides a snapshot of the pavement's current condition and serves as the foundation for making informed decisions about maintenance and rehabilitation strategies. The survey involves visual inspection of the pavement surface to identify and quantify various distresses, such as cracking, rutting, potholes, and raveling. The data collected is then used to calculate pavement condition indices, such as the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) or International Roughness Index (IRI), which provide a numerical rating of the pavement's overall condition. This information is used to prioritize maintenance and rehabilitation projects, allocate resources effectively, and track the performance of the pavement network over time. The data helps to assess the structural and functional integrity of the pavement. Moreover, the gathered information is crucial for predicting future pavement performance and for developing long-term pavement management plans.